A total of 79 ancient sites, including river terrace settlements and military fortifications, were discovered in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the fourth national cultural relics survey, the Global Times learned from the Guangxi Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology on Thursday. 

The findings span different historical periods, with a large number of discoveries dating to prehistoric times and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

From October to December 2024, a research team from the Guangxi Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology conducted extensive field investigations in the cities of Fangchenggang, Chongzuo, and Baise. The survey focused on uncovering sites along river terraces and border defense structures. 

Over the course of two months, archaeologists documented various types of cultural remains, including burial sites, stone inscriptions, scattered stone artifacts, and animal fossils. 

One of the most significant discoveries was in Fangchenggang city, where researchers identified 29 stone tool sites. The collected artifacts included chopping tools, hand picks, pointed oyster shell ­implements, and scrapers, with the latter two being the most prevalent. 

Similar findings emerged in Chongzuo city, where multiple stone artifact sites were documented. Archaeologists recovered stone cores, scrapers, stone hammers, and other tools.

The collected artifacts varied in form and composition across different locations. For example, stone tools were primarily large chopping implements, often exhibiting heavy weathering. In contrast, tools found in Chongzuo were predominantly scrapers and were notably smaller in size. 

These regional differences may be attributed to variations in raw material availability and the specific ways ancient populations adapted to their environments, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In Jingxi, the survey uncovered 12 Qing Dynasty burial sites, including tombstones and stone carvings, as well as 13 stone tools. 

The survey also documented a range of Qing Dynasty military installations. Researchers identified well-preserved remnants of forts, barracks, watchtowers, artillery platforms, and arched bridges. 

These findings underscore the bravery of the people of Guangxi and other ethnic groups in China in resisting colonial invasions and defending their homeland and serving as historical evidence of the nation's path to rejuvenation, according to Xinhua. 

Among the 79 newly discovered sites, 21 military facilities and nine river terrace settlements were found to be in particularly good condition. These locations have been officially registered in the national cultural relics database as part of the fourth national survey. 

According to Xinhua, the findings play a key role in preserving China's shared cultural heritage, strengthening ethnic identity, pride, and unity among border communities.